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Example Questions
Example Question #91 : Dimensions Of Psychological Development
Lawrence Kohlberg is known for the levels of moral thinking hypothesis. Which of the following levels focuses on self-defined ethical principles?
Concrete Operational
Ego
Postconventional
Conventional
Preconventional
Postconventional
Kohlberg's three levels of moral thinking include preconventional, conventional, and postconventional.
From adolescence and beyond, Kohlberg believed that an individual experiences the postconventional level of morality. During this time, the individual focuses on actions that demonstrate a belief in self-defined ethical principles and basic rights.
“Ego” would be incorrect as it is one of Freud's psychoanalytical stages.
“Concrete operational” would also be incorrect because it is one of Piaget's stages from his theory of cognitive development.
Example Question #92 : Dimensions Of Psychological Development
Adam is a child and considered to be in the conventional morality stage according to Kohlberg’s model. Which of the following is most likely to be his rationale for why stealing is morally wrong?
None of these
Stealing is against the law.
If I steal, then people will think I’m a bad boy.
If I steal, then I will be caught and punished.
If I steal, then people will think I’m a bad boy.
Kohlberg’s model of moral thought was categorized into three levels: pre-conventional, conventional, and post-conventional. Pre-conventional moral thought is concerned with thoughts associated with obedience, punishment, and self interests (e.g. “if I steal, then I will be caught and punished” and “stealing is against the law”). On the other hand, post-conventional thought is characterized by higher order moral thinking such as that associated with social contracts and universal ethical principles. Last, the conventional level is characterized by thoughts indicative of social order and conformity (e.g. the correct answer “if I steal, then people will think I’m a bad boy”).
Example Question #183 : Developmental Psychology
The conventional stage of Kohlberg's moral developmental stages usually occurs during which of the following age brackets?
None of these
Approximately late adolescence through adulthood
Approximately birth to 9 years old
Approximately 10 years old through adolescence
Approximately 10 years old through adolescence
The conventional stage of moral development occurs from approximately 10 years old to early adolescence. During this stage, children make decisions based on how the world will view them. Children learn conventional standards of right and wrong, as usually follow these so others will see them as "good."
Example Question #184 : Developmental Psychology
10-year-old Mark believes that you should not lie because it is wrong and against the rules. What stage of Kohlberg's moral development is Mark most likely in?
Oral
Conventional
Latency
Postconventional
Preconventional
Conventional
Kohlberg's theory of moral development divides morality into three levels: preconventional, conventional, and postconventional. The preconventional level occurs prior to age 10 and involves a desire to avoid punishment and receive rewards. Children in this stage may follow rules because of their own self-interests. Children in the conventional stage are motivated to do what is right and uphold society's rules and standards. This is consistent with Mark's philosophy on why lying is wrong. During the postconventional stage, people develop an internal set of values and have a more flexible view of morality. Kohlberg believed that not everyone reaches the postconventional level. The oral and latency stages are associated with Freud's psychosexual stages of development.
Example Question #185 : Developmental Psychology
A young child decides not to steal a classmate's stuffed animal because he will likely be punished by the teacher. According to Kohlberg's stages of morality, this child is engaging in which of the following types of thinking?
Pre-conventional morality
Conventional morality
Macro-oriented morality
Elementary morality
Post-conventional morality
Pre-conventional morality
Lawrence Kohlberg believed that there are three different stages of morality that are expressed through our actions. The young child above is engaging in "pre-conventional morality." In this stage, actions are determined to be bad or good depending on how they are rewarded or punished. Specifically, the action of stealing is determined to be bad because society has set forth rules that would likely result in the young child getting punished for it.
Example Question #186 : Developmental Psychology
Conventional morality is derived from which of the following?
Avoiding punishment
Social norms and expectations
Self-interest
Intrinsic motivation
Social contract
Social norms and expectations
The conventional stages of Kohlberg's stages of moral development are associated with morality derived from "social norms and expectations." This is in contrast with the pre-conventional stages, which focus on self-interest and punishment, and the post-conventional stages, which focus on social contracts and universal principles.